diamondback moth

a moth, Plutella maculipennis, having brownish wings marked with diamond-shaped, yellow spots in the male, the larvae of which feed on the leaves of cabbages and other cruciferous plants. Also called cabbage moth.

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▪ insect

      species of moth in the family Yponomeutidae (order Lepidoptera) that is sometimes placed in its own family, Plutellidae. The diamondback moth is small and resembles its close relative, the ermine moth, but holds its antennae forward when at rest. The adult moths have a wingspan of 15 mm (0.6 inch) and wavy yellow radial lines on the forewings, separating the brown anterior area from the cream-coloured hind edge. When the wings are folded these marks form a distinctive series of yellow diamond-shaped marks on top, for which the species is named. Larvae pupate in silk cocoons spun on the leaf surface of various food plants. They can cause considerable destruction of cabbages and allied vegetables in all parts of the world.

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